6 Soccer Drills for Kids To Practice in the Off-season

Players mustn’t let their skills and abilities get rusty when the regular soccer season ends. While some kids may take a break from soccer until the next season begins, it’s important to remember that practice and drills are essential for players to stay at the top of their game. In this post, we’ll share six soccer drills for kids to practice in the off-season.

These drills are designed to help sharpen skills and develop muscle memory, so your kids can be prepared when the next season begins. We’ve included activities with ball handling, shooting, passing, and overall game awareness, so you can be sure your kids will have the tools they need to become better players.

Agility Drills

Agility is a critical skill for any soccer player. Agility drills are a fun way for kids to practice using their feet to move in any direction while improving their balance and coordination. A simple agility drill involves having the child stand with both feet together and then quickly alternating which foot they lead with between four cones placed 8-10 feet apart in a square formation. The cones could be spaced even further apart for more difficulty as the child advances.

Passing Drills

Passing drills help to promote accuracy and precision when passing the ball to teammates on the field. This is a drill that children can use to practice short passes between two or three players. To start, have one player pass the ball against a wall or stationary board and have another player receive it right away on the rebound with soft touches before passing it back again. The receiving player then passes the ball back and forth with the same intensity until they have controlled 10-20 rebounds and passes.

Ball Control Drills

Ball control drills teach kids to keep possession of the ball quickly and accurately as they dribble or pass around a designated area. The activity begins by having them tap the ball around cones placed 10 feet apart in an oval shape. This can be practiced for speed or accuracy depending on what the child needs to work on most, as well as using either their foot or thigh to touch the ball around the set of cones.

Shooting Drills

Shooting drills allow kids to practice taking shots on goal while also learning how to aim with proper technique and form. An easy shooting drill involves having two players practice shooting at either side of a cone placed 5-7 yards away from them as a target marker. The shooter should aim low before gradually aiming higher until they can take shots at chest height off both feet with their eyes focused on the target throughout their technique.

Dribbling Drills

Dribbling drills help children practice balance and coordination while also developing close control of the ball when dribbling around obstacles such as cones or markers set up in rows, circles, or V shapes around them. As children become more comfortable dribbling around obstacles, they may also add in soccer cleats for more speed, control, and stability when turning corners quickly or making sharp changes in direction.

Team Drills

Team drills help children learn how to incorporate passing, dribbling, shooting, and other skills on offense and defense as part of a team’s strategy during gameplay situations. All players can practice passing around triangles made from three cones placed 5-7 yards apart while opponents try to intercept any passes that get through with controlled touches of their own to score against each other.

The off-season can be a great time for players to get back to the basics and practice their soccer skills to stay in shape and remain competitive when the season starts again. The six soccer drills mentioned above can help young players sharpen their ball control, passing, dribbling, shooting, agility, and team play skills, which can be essential for winning games and having a successful season. Incorporating these drills into regular practice routines can provide children with a well-rounded set of soccer abilities and the confidence and motivation needed to excel on the soccer field. Get your kids to practice, and watch them take their game to the next level.